One helicopter seemed to be taking off and the opposite touchdown once they collided close to Sea World theme park in Queensland state.
Two helicopters have collided in an Australian vacationer hotspot, killing 4 passengers and critically injuring three others in a crash that drew emergency assist from beachgoers having fun with the water throughout the southern summer time.
One helicopter appeared to have been taking off and the opposite touchdown once they collided on Monday afternoon close to the Sea World theme park in Predominant Seashore, a northern seaside on the Gold Coast, Gary Worrell, Queensland state police appearing inspector, mentioned at a information convention.
“These two plane, when collided, have crash landed, and landed, on the sandbank simply out from Sea World resort,” Gary Worrell mentioned.
“Because of that, 4 individuals have misplaced their lives immediately,” he mentioned. “Three others are vital in hospital.”
One helicopter landed safely on a sandbank, however particles from the opposite was unfold throughout an space police described as tough to entry. The useless and three most severely injured individuals had been all passengers within the crashed helicopter.
“Members of the general public and police tried to take away the individuals they usually commenced first assist and tried to get these individuals to security from an airframe that was the other way up,” Worrell mentioned.
“[People on] jet skis, household boaters, bizarre members of the general public rushed to help these individuals.”
Passengers within the different helicopter, which misplaced its windscreen within the crash, are additionally receiving medical help.
Footage of the crash confirmed a helicopter shortly after takeoff being clipped by one other helicopter flying over the water.
‘Devastated’
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk mentioned the accident was an “unthinkable tragedy”.
“My deepest sympathies are with every of the households and everybody affected by this horrible accident,” she tweeted.
What has occurred on the Gold Coast immediately is an unthinkable tragedy. My deepest sympathies are with every of the households and everybody affected by this horrible accident.
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) January 2, 2023
Sea World Helicopters, a separate firm from the theme park, expressed its condolences and mentioned it was cooperating with the authorities dealing with the crash investigation.
“We and your complete flying group are devastated by what has occurred and our honest condolences go to all these concerned and particularly the family members and household of the deceased,” the assertion mentioned.
The corporate didn't affirm if it operated one or each helicopters concerned within the crash, saying within the assertion it will not remark additional due to the investigation.
A witness named John advised Melbourne radio station 3AW that patrons at Sea World heard the crash.
He mentioned workers on the theme park moved swiftly to shut off areas closest to the crash.
“There was a large, huge bang,” he mentioned. “It was simply enormous. I’m undecided if it was the propellers or no matter hitting towards one another. However there was this poor girl and her son close to the helipad in tears.”
Australian Transport Security Bureau Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell mentioned an investigation into the reason for the crash was beneath manner.
Queensland Ambulance Service mentioned earlier that 13 individuals had been being assessed for accidents.
The Gold Coast area is at its busiest in January, the height time for holidays in Australia’s summer time.
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